The “Raw Files” of flatland skimboarder Daniel Prieß – SurferToday


Uncooked, real and striking. Daniel Prieß, one of the most talented riders of the flatland skimboarding scene, has released his “Raw Files,” a collection of action sequences that didn’t make into “Brotherhood.”

At 24, Prieß – or Priess – has a large canvas to work with. The German skimboarder from Scharbeutz is constantly traveling the world with his board. And he never forgets to bring the video camera.

In “Brotherhood,” flatland skimming’s most important film of the decade, Prieß, Friedrich Flüh, and friends showed why they don’t need oceans and waves to elevate the sport. Additionally, the “Raw Files” prove that “flatlanders” are keeping the skimboarding spirit intact and alive.

“I feel like the competitive time in my career kind of lies behind me. I’ve pretty much participated in every comp out there. Taking the third place overall in the 2014 European Skimboarding Cup rankings, as well as several podiums over the years, have left me pretty satisfied with what I have accomplished in competitive skimboarding,” Daniel Prieß tells SurferToday.com.

“However, I would still love to take part in the Polish Skimboarding Open and the DB Pro/Am again this year because it is so much fun to meet and ride with everyone. At this point, I see new challenges in filming video parts and making skim movies.”

Daniel Prieß: he believes flatland skimboarding has nothing to do with surfing | Photo: Matt McDonald/Equal Motion

Daniel Prieß: he believes flatland skimboarding has nothing to do with surfing | Photo: Matt McDonald/Equal Motion

The German flatland skimmer lives close to the Baltic Sea. When Daniel travels, he usually enjoys riding spots such as Chambers Creek (University Place), and Baker Beach (San Francisco). Therefore, he also has some ideas on how to boost the notoriety of the sport in Europe and around the world.

“I believe that innovative video parts and videos, in general, are a great way of showing what skimboarding is all about, and an important way to get people stoked to try it out for themselves. I also see a lot of potential in skim camps, where kids can be introduced to the sport the right way,” explains Prieß.

How hard is it to be a professional skimboarder in our days? “It’s as hard as in any other sport. Doing something professionally takes time, dedication, etc., no matter what it is that you’re doing.”

Daniel Prieß will continue to be one of the most dedicated ambassadors of flatland skimboarding. But he doesn’t want skimboarding joining the International Surfing Association (ISA). “Definitely no. Skimboarding stands for itself, especially if you look at flatland skimboarding, which has nothing to do with surfing,” concludes the German rider.